Skoda Kushaq: In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian automobiles, the Skoda Kushaq has carved out a niche for itself as a formidable player in the compact SUV segment. As we roll into 2025, this Czech marvel continues to impress with its blend of European styling, robust performance, and cutting-edge technology. Let’s dive deep into what makes the latest iteration of the Kushaq a compelling choice for the discerning Indian buyer.
Design: European Flair Meets Indian Roads
The 2025 Kushaq retains its distinctive design language that screams premium from every angle. The front fascia is dominated by Skoda’s signature butterfly grille, flanked by sleek LED headlamps with crystalline elements. The side profile showcases strong character lines and well-proportioned wheel arches, housing stylish alloy wheels that vary in size from 16 to 17 inches depending on the variant.
For 2025, Skoda has introduced some exciting new color options to keep things fresh:
- Candy White
- Brilliant Silver
- Carbon Steel
- Tornado Red
- Honey Orange
- Lava Blue
The addition of the ‘Honey Orange’ shade is particularly striking, giving the Kushaq a vibrant personality that stands out in urban traffic.
Heart of the Matter: Powertrains
Under the hood, the 2025 Kushaq continues to offer two potent TSI (Turbocharged Stratified Injection) petrol engines:
- 1.0-liter TSI:
- Power: 114 bhp @ 5,500 rpm
- Torque: 178 Nm @ 1,750-4,500 rpm
- Transmission options: 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic
- 1.5-liter TSI:
- Power: 148 bhp @ 5,000-6,000 rpm
- Torque: 250 Nm @ 1,600-3,500 rpm
- Transmission options: 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) automatic
Both engines offer a good balance of performance and efficiency, with the 1.5 TSI being the enthusiast’s choice thanks to its punchy power delivery and sophisticated DSG transmission.
Technology: A Digital Powerhouse
The 2025 Kushaq is loaded with tech features that would make even some premium segment cars blush. Here’s what sets it apart:
- 10.1-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System: This high-resolution display is the centerpiece of the dashboard, offering crisp graphics and intuitive controls. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration.
- Digital Instrument Cluster: Higher variants get a fully digital instrument cluster that’s customizable and provides all essential information at a glance.
- Wireless Charging: Keep your smartphone juiced up without the hassle of cables.
- Ventilated Front Seats: A boon for Indian summers, these keep you cool and comfortable during long drives.
- Electric Sunroof: Let in some fresh air and sunlight with the touch of a button.
- Connected Car Technology: The MySkoda Connect app allows you to access various vehicle functions remotely, including geofencing, vehicle tracking, and trip analysis.
- Ambient Lighting: Set the mood inside the cabin with customizable ambient lighting.
Safety: Prioritizing Protection
Skoda has always been known for its emphasis on safety, and the 2025 Kushaq is no exception:
- Up to 6 airbags
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Multi-collision Brake
- Hill-Hold Control
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- Rear Parking Sensors with Camera
These features ensure that the Kushaq offers peace of mind to its occupants, making it one of the safest vehicles in its segment.
Comfort and Convenience: The Little Things Matter
The Kushaq shines in the details that make everyday driving a pleasure:
- Automatic Climate Control
- Rain-sensing Wipers
- Auto-dimming IRVM
- Cooled Glovebox
- 60:40 Split Rear Seats
- One-touch Up/Down for All Power Windows
These thoughtful additions elevate the overall ownership experience, making the Kushaq a joy to live with on a daily basis.
Price and Variants: Something for Everyone
Skoda has structured the Kushaq lineup to cater to various budgets and needs. As of 2025, the prices (ex-showroom) range from:
- Classic: ₹10.89 Lakh
- Onyx Edition: ₹12.89 Lakh – ₹13.49 Lakh
- Signature: ₹14.19 Lakh – ₹16.89 Lakh
- Sportline: ₹14.70 Lakh – ₹15.80 Lakh
- Monte Carlo: ₹15.90 Lakh – ₹17.00 Lakh
- Prestige: ₹16.09 Lakh – ₹18.79 Lakh
While these prices represent a premium over some competitors, the Kushaq justifies it with its build quality, features, and the brand’s growing reputation for reliability in the Indian market.
Fuel Efficiency: Easy on the Pocket
Despite its powerful engines, the Kushaq doesn’t disappoint when it comes to fuel efficiency:
- 1.0 TSI Manual: 19.76 kmpl
- 1.0 TSI Automatic: 18.09 kmpl
- 1.5 TSI Manual: 19.56 kmpl
- 1.5 TSI DSG: 18.86 kmpl
These ARAI-certified figures ensure that the Kushaq remains a practical choice for both city driving and highway cruising.
The Verdict: A Worthy Contender
The 2025 Skoda Kushaq continues to be a strong player in the highly competitive compact SUV segment. It successfully blends European build quality and driving dynamics with features tailored for the Indian market. The wide range of variants ensures that there’s a Kushaq for every budget and requirement.
While it may be priced at a slight premium compared to some rivals, the Kushaq justifies this with its robust build, refined powertrains, and a feature list that punches above its weight class. The recent improvements in Skoda’s after-sales service and the introduction of customer-friendly initiatives have also addressed previous concerns about ownership costs.
For those seeking a compact SUV that offers a touch of premium feel, engaging driving dynamics, and a host of modern features, the 2025 Skoda Kushaq should be high on the consideration list. It’s not just a car; it’s a statement of discerning taste and appreciation for quality engineering.
As the Indian automotive landscape continues to evolve, with an increasing emphasis on features and technology, the Skoda Kushaq stands as a testament to how a well-engineered product can carve out its own space in a crowded market. It’s a compelling option for those who want their SUV to be more than just another high-riding vehicle – it’s for those who appreciate the finer things in automotive life.